Amazon literally keeps skyrocketing. is a commercial giant Acquisition of satellite service provider Globalstar Amazon LEO, to expand its own satellite operations when it eventually offers direct-to-device service. This is another sign of Space race accelerates To join with Starlink to provide communication services from the sky.
reportedly in deal Value 11.6 billion dollarsAmazon will get Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure and assets. globalstarThe Louisiana-based company has 24 satellites and plans to expand that number to 32 later this year, according to its website. Tuesday’s announcement said the company provides critical and emergency communications to customers around the world.
The transaction also includes Apple. Globalstar offers emergency satellite connectivity For iPhone From iPhone 14 and later, as well apple watch ultra 3To message emergency services, request roadside assistance, share location, and send messages to friends and families during natural disasters. Apple bought 20% stake At Globalstar in November 2024.
Amazon said in Tuesday’s announcement that LEO will power satellite services for the iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite.
Amazon and Globalstar expect their transaction to close in 2027, pending regulatory approval.
playing catch up with starlink
Amazon Leo – “Leo” means “low earth orbit,” which is where its satellites are located in space – is trying to become a major competitor starlinkGlobal satellite services leader owned by Elon Musk spacex. Starlink has more than 10,000 satellites In orbit, providing connectivity to smartphones, devices, vehicles and equipment as an alternative to cellphone towers.
Formerly known as Project Kuiper, LEO aims to begin providing satellite broadband connectivity services as early as 2028, but it has hit some snags. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy tells shareholders Last week it said Leo would not begin providing Wi-Fi service to governments, airlines and other businesses until mid-2026. One of the issues is that Amazon should have 1,600 satellites in orbit by JulyBut it currently only has 250, according to a Federal Communications Commission deadline.
Amazon has asked the FCC for an extension on the mandate, but the agency has not yet ruled.
Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have struck deals with Amazon to use LEO for in-flight connectivity for passengers in the future.
Panos Panay, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon, said Tuesday’s deal with Globalstar will help bring the Internet to “billions of customers” who are “beyond the reach of existing networks.”
Amazon said that LEO, whenever it begins providing satellite service, “will provide significantly greater spectrum utilization and efficiency than legacy direct-to-sale systems.”
